The West African Examinations Council (WAEC)has commenced the release of results previously withheld from candidates who participated in the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates.
WAEC had earlier released the main 2026 WASSCE results on August 5, 2026, but the results of 167,486 candidates were withheld over reported cases of examination malpractice. The Council stated that the cases would be investigated before final decisions were taken.
WAEC WITHHELD RESULTS NOW BEING RELEASED
Candidates whose 2026 WASSCE results were previously withheld can now check for updates on the status of their results.
The withholding of results does not, by itself, mean that a candidate has been found guilty of examination malpractice. According to WAEC, the affected cases were subject to investigation, after which the appropriate committee would consider the reports and make decisions.
Candidates whose results have now been released can proceed to access their results through the approved WAEC result-checking platform.
WHY WERE THE RESULTS WITHHELD?
When the 2026 WASSCE results were initially released, WAEC said it withheld the results of 167,486 candidates, representing 8.59 per cent of the candidates who sat for the examination.
The Council attributed the withheld results to suspected cases of examination malpractice, including issues associated with the use of mobile phones in examination halls and organised cheating. WAEC said the cases were being investigated and that affected candidates would be informed of the outcome through their schools.
Candidates affected by the withholding were also given the opportunity to seek redress through the Council’s malpractice complaints process where applicable.
HOW TO CHECK YOUR WAEC 2026 RESULT
Candidates whose results were previously withheld are advised to check the result status through the official WAEC result-checking platform.
The general process involves obtaining the required WAEC result-checking PIN and serial number and using the candidate’s examination details to access the result.
Candidates should ensure that they use the official WAEC result-checking platform and provide the correct examination information.
WAEC has also introduced a process through which candidates can generate the required result-checking credentials electronically.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO CANDIDATES
Candidates who previously had their results withheld are advised to check their result status again, particularly if they have not received a final update regarding their case.
Where a result has been released, candidates should carefully review the grades displayed and keep a copy for future use.
The result may be required for tertiary institution admission, screening, scholarship applications and other academic purposes.
Candidates whose results remain withheld should not assume that the result has been cancelled. They should follow the instructions provided by WAEC concerning the status of their individual cases.
WAEC 2026 RESULTS AND ADMISSION
The release of withheld results is particularly important for candidates participating in the 2026/2027 admission exercise.
Many tertiary institutions require candidates to provide valid O’Level results during admission screening and registration. Candidates who were previously unable to provide their complete WAEC results because of the withholding may now be able to proceed if their results have been released.
However, candidates should still confirm the specific requirements of their chosen institutions and ensure that their O’Level results are properly uploaded or submitted where required.
The release of a WAEC result does not automatically confer admission, as candidates must still satisfy the admission requirements of their chosen institutions and programmes.
CANDIDATES ADVISED TO AVOID FAKE INFORMATION
Candidates should be cautious of individuals or websites claiming to have the ability to release, upgrade, alter or manipulate withheld WAEC results.
A candidate’s result status should be confirmed through official WAEC channels.
WAEC has previously warned against fake information circulating online concerning withheld results. For example, a purported list of Nigerian schools whose 2026 results had allegedly been withheld was identified as fake and was not issued by WAEC.
Candidates should therefore avoid sharing their examination details, result-checking PINs or other sensitive information with unauthorised persons.
WHAT CANDIDATES SHOULD DO NOW
Candidates who had their 2026 WAEC results withheld are advised to:
- Check their result status through the official WAEC platform.
- Confirm whether their result has been released.
- Save or print the result once it becomes available.
- Follow WAEC’s instructions if the result remains withheld.
- Contact their school where WAEC directs candidates to obtain further information.
- Submit or upload the released result for admission purposes where required.
- Avoid unofficial agents claiming they can influence the outcome of a withheld-result case.
The release of the affected results follows the investigation and review process initiated after WAEC withheld the results of candidates suspected of involvement in examination irregularities.
Candidates are therefore encouraged to remain attentive to official WAEC updates and check their individual result status rather than relying on social media claims.